World: Corona crowned the world’s most valuable beer brand for the second consecutive year

Corona has been crowned the world’s most valuable beer brand for the second consecutive year, according to Kantar’s 2025 BrandZ Global report. The accolade comes as the brand celebrates its centenary, bolstered by notable global growth and the rising success of its alcohol-free offshoot, Corona Cero.

The report confirms that eight of the world’s top 10 beer brands are now owned by AB InBev, with Budweiser ranked second, Modelo fourth and Michelob ULTRA fifth. AB InBev, listed on stock exchanges in Brussels, Mexico City, Johannesburg and New York, achieved all-time high revenues in 2024, along with 15% growth in Underlying EPS.

Corona’s international success in 2024 included double-digit growth outside of its native Mexico, and significantly, triple-digit gains for Corona Cero. The non-alcoholic variant is the first beer brand to sponsor the Olympic Games and will debut in Paris 2024.

Corona’s “Corona 100” platform will feature anniversary events across global markets throughout 2025, positioning the brand at the centre of both celebration and innovation. According to Marcel Marcondes, AB InBev’s global chief marketing officer, the brand’s success demonstrates the value of long-term brand building and consistency: “Having 8 out of the top 10 beer brands in Kantar’s BrandZ rankings reflects our focus on growing our megabrands through consumer-centricity, consistency and effectiveness.”

Michelob ULTRA, the fastest growing beer brand in the US, has moved up one position in Kantar’s beer rankings, now fifth globally. The AB InBev-owned light beer brand continues to tap into health-focused consumer trends in North America and beyond.

Although beer brands like Corona are thriving, the wider alcoholic drinks category saw an 11% drop in brand value, reflecting a broader shift in consumption. Kantar attributes this to reduced alcohol intake, particularly among younger consumers, and the growing appeal of wellness-oriented lifestyles.

The report also notes fragmentation in flavour-led spirits and craft beer, which is diluting market share for traditional brands. These challenges come in contrast to post-pandemic gains in retail, where brand value surged 48%, driven by e-commerce and private label performance.

While a few major names outperformed their peers – notably Uniqlo, Coca-Cola and Dove – the food and beverage category saw an overall 1% decline in brand value. Personal care was similarly down 5%, and the once-buoyant luxury sector has slipped by 2% in 2025, attributed in part to waning demand in China and a pivot away from conspicuous consumption.

Chris Jansen, CEO of Kantar, said the importance of strategic brand investment in the face of these trends. “Anheuser-Busch InBev is a perfect example… they have mastered the ability to cut through in the face of changing consumer behaviour.”

Kantar’s BrandZ report, now in its 20th year, combines consumer insight with financial performance to rank the world’s top brands.

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